October 15, 2016
Any other year over the last decade, Philadelphia Eagles fans would be more than happy to face whatever scrub backup quarterback the Cowboys had on their depth chart behind Tony Romo. This year, with rookie quarterback Dak Prescott playing well in Romo's absence, some Eagles fans might actually prefer Romo.
ESPN beat reporter Todd Archer believes that Romo will not be ready for the Eagles' matchup against the Cowboys Week 8, although part of his reasoning is how well Prescott has filled in.
No, do not look for Tony Romo to play Oct. 30 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He has picked up his conditioning and throwing in the last couple of weeks, but his first game back looks like Nov. 6 against the Cleveland Browns. If the Cowboys had put Romo on injured reserve at the start of the season, that would have been the first game he could have played. The Cowboys are off next week and have only one practice, and it's not really a practice before the players scatter for the bye week. They return to practice full time Oct. 24, so Romo would have four days to get ready for the Eagles.
The more QB Dak Prescott wins, the more the Cowboys and Romo can be patient with his comeback. To me, Romo's return will not be about his health. It will be about the circumstance of the team. Let's see what this team's record is after Oct. 30. By then, everybody could be singing a different tune.
Archer's comments were in a "Q&A" post, so this is hardly to be considered a definitive report, although his reasoning certainly makes sense.
Early this season, Dak Prescott vs. Carson Wentz debates have already begun. If Archer's thinking is correct, Prescott and Wentz will have a chance to decide it on the field.
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